Daniel J. Klionsky — Dr. Daniel J. Klionsky's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding autophagy, a crucial cellular process for maintaining health and preventing disease. They explore how this process is regulated and its implications for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegeneration. By studying yeast models, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms and proteins involved in autophagy, providing insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
James J. Moon — Dr. James J. Moon's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for aggressive cancers, particularly head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The lab explores the use of engineered nanoparticles to activate the STING immune pathway, aiming to improve patient responses to immunotherapy. They are also investigating how to modulate the gut microbiome to enhance cancer treatments, creating formulations that can be administered orally to boost immune responses safely.
Charles L Brooks — Dr. Charles L. Brooks' lab focuses on using computer simulations to study biological molecules and how they interact, particularly in the context of drug design and cellular processes. By developing advanced theoretical methods, the team aims to better understand how small molecules can affect proteins and other biological systems, which is crucial for biomedical research and drug discovery. Collaborations with experimental labs allow for practical applications and validations of their computational approaches.
Eva Lucille Feldman — Dr. Eva Feldman's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and the complications of diabetes, particularly peripheral neuropathy. The lab investigates how environmental factors and lifestyle choices impact nerve health and disease progression, aiming to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies for these debilitating conditions.
Yu Wang — Dr. Yu Wang's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding epilepsy associated with mTORopathies, particularly in how these conditions develop and progress. They use advanced techniques to explore the cellular and molecular changes in the brain that lead to epilepsy, especially in children with drug-resistant forms of the disease. The lab combines animal models with human tissue studies to investigate potential therapeutic strategies and improve seizure outcomes.
Nicholas W Lukacs — Dr. Nicholas Lukacs's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how the immune system reacts to viruses and allergens in chronic lung diseases like severe asthma. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind changes in lung function and structure, which can lead to better therapies. The lab studies the roles of different immune cells and molecules, particularly during early disease stages, and how they might influence long-term health outcomes.
Ryan E Mills — Ryan E Mills' lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding variations in the human genome, specifically somatic mosaicism, which refers to genetic differences within an individual’s tissues. By developing advanced molecular and computational tools, the lab aims to uncover overlooked mutations that occur in various tissues and may be linked to diseases like cancer. Their work is crucial for improving our understanding of how these genetic variations contribute to health and disease.
Brian D. Ross — Dr. Brian D. Ross leads a research lab focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of myelofibrosis, a serious blood cancer. The lab is developing advanced MRI techniques to create noninvasive biomarkers that can better monitor the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of new targeted therapies. By integrating innovative imaging methods with cutting-edge treatment strategies, they aim to enhance patient management and outcomes for those suffering from this chronic illness.
Carrie Ferrario — Dr. Carrie Ferrario's research lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how food-related cues influence cravings and eating behavior, particularly in the context of obesity. The lab studies the brain's reward systems and how junk food can alter neural circuits, contributing to an enhanced craving for food in obese individuals. By using preclinical models, the lab aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that drive obesity and develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.